Get up close and personal with Virginia's furry, scaly, and feathered locals when you visit zoos and aquariums around the state. From drive-thru safari parks to deep sea exhibits and tours on the water, your next trip can be a full-on animal kingdom adventure.
Read about some of the largest zoos and aquariums in Virginia on this page and get helpful information before you visit.
For over a century, the Virginia Zoo has entertained and educated visitors about wildlife and the ecosystems of the world. You'll find it across 53 acres next to Lafayette Park in Norfolk. It is the only AZA-accredited zoo in Virginia.
Virginia Zoo
What to Expect:
Zoo operated by the City of Norfolk and Virginia Zoological Society with over 700 animals
Discounted admission available for military, first responders, teachers, college students, foster families, Medicaid recipients, and more
No outside food allowed (multiple dining options and water fill stations)
Zoo Highlights:
Playgrounds, sensory-friendly experiences, and a zoo train kids love
Behind-the-scenes tours with Eastern Mountain Bongo, Moon Bear, Masai Giraffe, and White Rhino
Admission Details:
Open year-round, closed on major winter holidays
Daily admission $20 for adults, memberships available
There's nothing quite like Virginia Safari Park in the rest of the state, and that's because it's Virginia's only drive-thru safari. Take your car through 180 acres of rolling hills where animals from around the world roam free. You can also stretch your legs on the village walk-thru portion and see more animals up close.
Virginia Safari Park
What to Expect:
A drive-thru safari in Natural Bridge with over 1,200 animals
Village Walk-Thru portion with more animals, including a kangaroo walk-about
Animal feed available for purchase
Zoo Highlights:
Roll down your window to feet animals along the safari, including llamas, highland cows, and ostriches
Kids will love the Budgie Adventure Aviary and farm animal petting area
Special animal encounters with rhinos, sloths, and penguins
Admission Details:
Typically open March through November, closed Thanksgiving
Daily admission $29.95 for adults, valid all day (show receipt to re-enter park)
It may be called a museum, but this Chesapeake Bay hub is home to hundreds of species of animals and plants found throughout Virginia. Learn about the variety of wildlife to be found in Virginia at this AZA and AAM-accredited institution.
Virginia Living Museum
Photo Credit: The Vacation Channel @vacationchannels
What to Expect:
A living museum with over 250 species of animals and plants
Amphibians, aquatic species, birds, mammals, and reptiles, many of whom could not survive in the wild
Zoo Highlights:
Explore a variety of ecosystems, from a cypress swamp to cool mountain streams
Don't miss a peak at the stars at the Abbitt Planetarium and Observatory
Get closer with animal encounters, horticulture tours, and animal training experiences
Complete the Mastodon Mystery Scavenger Hunt to score a limited-edition trading card and learn about prehistoric wildlife
Admission Details:
Open year-round, closed major winter holidays
Daily admission $23.95 for adults, memberships and discounts available
Open for over 40 years, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a way to get a different perspective on the aquatic life of Virginia Beach and beyond. The aquarium is more than just a way to spend a rainy beach day —you'll find everything from sharks to sea urchins.
Whale Watching with the Virginia Aquarium
Photo Credit: John Clarke Russ
What to Expect:
An aquarium with over 300 species across 800,000 gallons of exhibit space
Owned by the City of Virginia Beach and maintained by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation
Seasonal boat tours to spot dolphins, whales, and more
Zoo Highlights:
Virtual reality pod experiences to get up close and personal with animal stories
Behind-the-scenes tours with sea turtles, sharks, and komodo dragons
Pair animal fun with outdoor adventure at Owl Creek Landing, a park with an observation tower, treetop trail, and slide
Admission Details:
Open year-round, closed on major winter holidays
Daily admission $35 for adults, parking fee $6, memberships available
Plan for a few hours to explore, more if you want to do Owl Creek Landing
